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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – December 19, 2025

Posted on December 19, 2025

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The federal administration’s latest act of cruelty against our immigrant communities followed the shooting of the national guard members in Washington D.C. In response to this tragic incident, citing national security concerns, the Administration has moved to restrict immigration in several ways: pausing immigration applications, suspending asylum decisions, visa issuances, and re-examining existing green card applications for all Afghan community members; halting adjudication of affirmative asylum applications across all nationalities; halting decisions on all immigration benefit applications submitted by immigrant communities subjected to the June 2025 travel ban; reducing the validity of employment authorization documents from 5 years to 18 months for various applicants including asylees, refugees, and adjustment applicants; and just this week, a December 2025 proclamation that expands the travel ban list and restrictions to 20 additional countries. These recent changes have left immigrant communities reeling and paralyzed with fear over what will happen next.

In this moment when the challenges are rising faster than ever, your support is even more crucial to our work. Despite these devastating developments, NWIRP is continuing to file for relief and defend the status of immigrant communities in Washington state. We are also continuing our systems change work: locally through our advocacy efforts at the upcoming legislative session, and fighting back through the federal courts for immigrant communities across the country. Additionally, we are keeping our communities informed about the latest developments. In 2025 alone, we have reached over 5000 community members through our immigration updates webinars.

We cannot do this work without your support. As we prepare for whatever comes next, please consider making a gift to support our ongoing efforts to seek protections for community members, and fight back against injustice.

Make a Gift to NWIRP Today

Thank you for standing with immigrant communities and with NWIRP. We are grateful for your support.

With gratitude,

Malou Chávez

Executive Director

P.S. Over the summer, Congress approved massive increases to immigration filing fees, making access to safety even more difficult for the communities that we serve. If you would like your donation directed to the payment and processing of filing fees, please indicate this in the dropdown menu on our giving page.


El último acto de crueldad de la administración federal contra nuestras comunidades inmigrantes se produjo tras el ataque armado contra los miembros de la Guardia Nacional en Washington D. C. En respuesta a este trágico incidente, y citando preocupaciones de seguridad nacional, la Administración ha tomado medidas para restringir la inmigración de varias maneras: pausando las solicitudes de inmigración; suspendiendo las decisiones de asilo y la emisión de visas; y reexaminando las solicitudes de residencia permanente ya existentes de todos los miembros de la comunidad afgana; deteniendo la adjudicación de solicitudes de asilo afirmativo para personas de todas las nacionalidades; suspendiendo las decisiones sobre todas las solicitudes de beneficios migratorios presentadas por comunidades inmigrantes sujetas a la prohibición de viajes de junio de 2025; reduciendo la validez de los documentos de autorización de empleo de 5 años a 18 meses para diversos solicitantes, incluidos asilados, refugiados y personas solicitando ajuste de estatus; y, apenas esta semana, emitiendo una proclamación en diciembre de 2025 que amplía la lista y las restricciones de la prohibición de viajes a 20 países adicionales. Estos cambios recientes han dejado a las comunidades inmigrantes conmocionadas y paralizadas por el miedo ante lo que pueda suceder a continuación.

No podemos realizar este trabajo sin tu apoyo. Mientras nos preparamos para lo que venga a continuación, te pedimos que consideres hacer una donación para apoyar nuestros esfuerzos continuos por buscar protecciones para los miembros de la comunidad y luchar contra la injusticia.

Realiza una donación a NWIRP hoy

Gracias por solidarizarte con las comunidades inmigrantes y con NWIRP. Estamos agradecidos por tu apoyo. 

Con gratitud,

Malou Chávez

Directora Ejecutiva

P.D. Durante el verano, el Congreso aprobó aumentos significativos a las tarifas migratorias, lo que dificulta aún más el acceso a tener seguridad para las comunidades a las que servimos. Si deseas que tu donación se destine específicamente al pago y gestión de estas tarifas, por favor indícalo en el menú desplegable en nuestra https://www.nwirp.org/donate/.

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
nwirp.org

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Serving the Democrats of Benton County, WA

Benton County WA Democrats

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Benton County WA Democrats
❗Richland, Kennewick and Grandview ❗February 10th (that is ONE WEEK from today) is the special election deadline, don’t forget to vote!! ... See MoreSee Less

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Port of Benton fires CFO weeks after executive director placed on leave

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The Port of Benton has fired a member of its leadership team just weeks after its executive director was put on leave and amid demands for greater transparency in the
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If you haven't listeneBruce Springsteensteen's new song or watched this music video we highly recommend you doing so. ... See MoreSee Less

Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Lyric Video)

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Directed by Thom ZimnyEdited by Thom Zimny and Samuel ShapiroProduction Footage: Pam Springsteen and Thom Zimny

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Benton County WA Democrats

1 week ago

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We join forces to win more elections! It was a pleasure co-hosting with Franklin County (WA) Democrats for yesterday's Precinct Committee Officer training! And thank you to all Democrats from all of the legislative districts in the Tri-Cities who joined us.It was a packed house at tonight's Democrat Precinct Committee Officer training for PCOs from Franklin and Benton Counties. Others joined on Zoom. It was an excellent training. Many thanks to Ken, Karen and John for conducting the training and to Carl for tech support. ... See MoreSee Less

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Benton County WA Democrats is at John Dam Plaza.

1 week ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Dear Students,You should be damn proud of yourselves! You used your 1st amendment rights to stand up for your peers, your communities, and your nation. You have proven that young Americans will not be silent about the injustices happening around you. You have inspired us all and given us hope for a better future! Shout out to these incredible organizers:@kennewickhighwalkout @southridgewalkoutprotest @kamiakinwalkout @rhsstudentsforchange @hhsstudentsforchange_ ... See MoreSee Less

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Party Calendar

February 2026

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 2, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
3
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 3, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    February 3, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
4
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 4, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
5
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 5, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
6
  • Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    Indivisible-Tri-Cities First Friday Happy Hour

    February 6, 2026  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewery 8804 West Victoria Ave Kennewick

    Join us for socializing and having some fun!

    See more details

•
7
  • No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    No One Is Above the Law: Monthly Hermiston Visibility Rally

    February 7, 2026  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    East Highland Avenue & South Highway 395 Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community members in Hermiston for our No One Is Above the Law visibility action!
    On the first Saturday of each month join folks in fighting for accountability, democracy, and justice — reminding our neighbors that the rule of law applies to everyone.

    Bring your signs, your voice, and your energy for an hour of peaceful sign-waving and community visibility.
    📅 When: 1st Saturday of every month at 11:00 AM | 📍 Where: Corner of Hwy 395 & Highland (by Safeway), Hermiston, OR

    See more details

  • Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    Sunnyside Protest I.C.E. and Rally for Peace

    February 7, 2026  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    East Lincoln Avenue & Yakima Valley Highway Sunnyside, WA 98944

    This a local Indivisible event hosted by Central Washington Resistance!

    Saturday, February 7th, there will be a protest from 12pm-2pm! We will meet on the sidewalk on the corner of East Lincoln Ave & Yakima Valley Hwy. In Sunnyside!

    Community, bring your 'No ICE' signs, your flags, and your voices! We are tired of I.C.E. bringing violence to our communities and this administration spreading fear here and in other countries! Please share… See you there

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 9, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    February 9, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 10, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    February 10, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
11
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 11, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
12
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 12, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
13
14
15
16
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 16, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
17
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 17, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    February 17, 2026  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
18
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    Whistle Wednesdays - Pasco

    February 18, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pasco Library 1320 W. Hopkins St. Pasco, WA

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
19
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 19, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    Franklin County Democratic Central Committee (FCDCC) Full Membership Meeting

    February 19, 2026  5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Location: Library, 1320 W Hopkins Street, Pasco Virtual Option (Zoom): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9144488289?pwd=OENYNWRxR1VtQkVFT1RsMU13RlZLUT09

    We’re excited to invite you to our February General Meeting on Thursday, February 19th!
    As always, we’ll kick things off with our community potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by the meeting at 6:00 PM.
    You can join us in person at the Pasco MCL Branch Library (1320 W. Hopkins) or on Zoom. We’d love to see you in whichever way works best for you.

    See more details

• •
20
21
22
23
  • Posters for Progress!

    Posters for Progress!

    February 23, 2026  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    Hermiston First United Methodist Church 191 E Gladys Ave Hermiston, OR 97838

    Join local community organizers for Signs of Progress — a relaxed evening of creativity, connection, and collective action!
    There will be sign making, postcard writing, and conversation about the issues that matter most to us. Whether you’re passionate about local causes or just love good company and community spirit, there’s a place for you at the table.

    See more details

•
24
  • Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    Tri-cities Protest Tuesday

    February 24, 2026  3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:30pm to 4:30PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    If possible, also bring a donation for the Food Bank.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    February 24, 2026  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
25
  • Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    Whistle Wednesdays - Kennewick

    February 25, 2026  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Mid-Columbia Library - Union Street 1620 S. Union Street Kennewick, WA 99338

    Join together and help to put together whistle kits to be handed out in the community. We would love to see you there!

    See more details

•
26
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    February 26, 2026  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    The Zoom link can be found in the most recent Indivisible TC Do Something Email Newsletter.

    This is a Zoom meeting. The link to the meeting is provided in the weekly Do-Something email. When you join the organization at this link: https://www.indivisibletricitieswa.org/join-us , you will receive this newsletter.

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    February 26, 2026  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
27
28
  • Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities

    February 28, 2026  10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Richland Public Library Conference Room B 955 Northgate Richland, WA

    You’re invited to our next Stitch & Story Circle with Indivisible Tri-Cities!

    Join us for a cozy, welcoming morning of book discussion, community conversation, and knitting or crafting if you’d like.

    See more details

•
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